Watercraft



5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Y ATTORNEY W. K. MARKHAM WATERCRAFT Dec. 17, 1968 Filed July 18, 1967 Dec. 17, 1968 w. K. MARKHAM WATERCRAFT Filed July i8, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet z FIG. 4

FIG.3

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ATTORNEY Dec. 17, 1968 w. K. MARKHAM 3,416,473

WATERCRAFT Filed July 18, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 w v www f Nw Y N2 E SN N S l w R. w/w M ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,416,478 WATERCRAFT Wesley K. Markham, 5546 Keystone Drive N., Jacksonville, Fla. 32207 Filed July 18, 1967, Ser. No. 654,124 Claims. (Cl. 114-16) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A submersible marine vehicle capable of surface and subsurface operation comprising a hull, a hydrofoil assembly connected to the top of the hull, propulsion means attached to the hull for propelling the vehicle in the surrounding body of water in which the vehicle is located, the propulsion means being selectively controllable to drive the vehicle generally vertically ldownward and upward within the body of water, and rudder means attached to the hydrofoil assembly for selectively controlling the horizontal movement of the vehicle in the body of Water. The hull includes an operator carrying compartment having an aid entrapping upper portion open to entry of water from the surrounding body of water and an Aair source is associated with the upper portion for supplying air thereto. The upper portion of the compartment entrapping air therein for use by the operator and being adapted to receive the head of the operator therein to permit free breathing within the upper portion of the compartment with the 'body of the operator substantially being exposed to the body of water. The vehicle further includes a selectively controllable air control valve mounted in the upper portion of the compartment and communicating with an opening through the hull to provide an exhaust passageway from the interior 'of the upper portion outwardly to the exterior of the hull for the air in the upper portion such that the volume of air in the upper portion may be varied to alter the buoyancy of the vehicle.

Background and summary of the invention This invention relates to watercraft and more particularly to a craft which can be used at the surface of the water or for diving purposes.

The current wide spread enthusiasm for water sports has included an interest in underwater diving. Of special interest is equipment which will permit an individual to move about and remain under water for periods of time ranging up to two, three or several hours.

In many types of underwater diving operations it is often desirable and sometimes essential for the diver to travel over substantial distances to reach the locale in which the work or other effort is to be carried out. In scuba diving the amount of time which can be spent underwater is usually limited in part by the physical stamina of the driver and in part by the air supply in the divers air tank. Consequently if a scuba diver is employed in doing some form of water engineering work, assisting in the salvage of sunken Vessels, 'or pursuing some sporting advocation, such as underwater exploration or marine photography, it is usually desirable to provide the diver with some means of underwater transportation by which it is possible to reach the locale of `activity as quickly as possible from the shore or other point of entry into the water. Such means of transportation not only conserves the divers physical energy but also reduces the drain upon the air supply in the divers air tank so the diver may extend his activities to -underwater locations which might other- Wise go beyond normal range from a given starting point. Moreover by use of such means of transportation the diver will be ab-le to reach the desired objective much more quickly and thus has a greater amount of time underwater to carry out the assigned task or desired activities.

3,416,478 Patented Dec. 17, 1968 ICC Underwater vehicles of this type are not only Valuable in the purely recreational aspects of skin and scuba diving or the gainful occupations of marine salvage and underwater construction Work, but also have substantial military value in assisting the underwater preparatory efforts incident to an amphibious landing, the exploratory charting of mine elds, the underwater assault upon submarine bases, and similar underwater demolition projects. For such purposes, it is possible for a small power boat or submarine to stand off shore at a safe distance from shore batteries and discharge the divers, who can then, through the use of traveling underwater vehicles, traverse the distance to the objective while entirely submerged, complete the underwater mission, and return to the offshore vessel in such a manner as to insure complete safety and surprise.

The present invention has Ifor one of its objects the provision of a pleasure submersible boat comprising a partially dry cabin provided with operation means for controlling its submersion from and its ascension to the water surface.

It is another object of this invention to provide an underwater vehicle which is capable of controlled submersion to various desired `depths and which can move beneath the surface of the water with a high degree of maneuverability.

A further object of the subject invention is to provide an underwater vehicle which is electrically driven and therefore capable of movement through the water in a manner such as to substantially cause little or no turbulence, strain, or agitation of the water.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a semi-dry type submarine most of which is constructed from non-metallic materials, therefore being light in weight, inexpensive to fabricate and relatively safe in use.

Yet another object of the instant invention is to provide an underwater vehicle in which an operator can trave1 and maintain his head, neck and shoulders in a dry condition.

Yet a further object of this invention is to .provide 'an underwater vehicle in which the occupant can travel without the need of wearing the usual scuba equipment, such as face mask, Wet suit and air tanks strapped to the back.

These objects are in general accomplished by providing a submersible marine vehicle capable of surface and subsurface operation comprising a hull including an operator carrying compartment having an air entrapping upper portion open to entry of water from the surrounding body of water in which the vehicle is located. Propulsion means are provided attached to the hull of the vehicle for propelling the vehicle in the body of water and are selectively controllable to drive the vehicle generally vertically downward and upward within the body of water. Additionally an air source is provided associated with the upper portion for supplying air thereto in a manner that the upper portion of the compartment entraps the air therein for use yby the operator. The upper portion of the compartment is adapted to receive the head of an operator therein to permit free breathing within the upper portion of the compartment with the body of the operator subsantially being exposed to the body of water. The marine vehicle further includes an air contnol valve mounted in the upper portion of the compartment and communicating with an opening through the hull to provide an exhaust passageway from the interior of the upper portion outwardly to the exterior of the hull for the air in the upper portion to maintain the air therein at a predetermined volume.

Description of drawings The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. l is a top plan view of the underwater craft of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the underwater craft of this invention, portions thereof being broken away;

FIG. 3 is a front or left-end elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, portions thereof being broken away;

FIG. 4 is a rear or right-end elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken alongline 5 5 of FIG. l;

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 6 6 of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional View taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional View taken along line 8 8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 6;

FIG. ll is an enlarged cross-sectional View taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 2.

Detailed description Referring to the drawings in detail now, and in particular' to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, the underwater craft of this invention 10, as depicted th'erein, is seen to assume an elongated, streamlined shape. The underwater craft 10 includes an upper portion 12 and a lower or depending portion 14 attached thereto. Upper portion 12 provides the locomotion and controlling components for the underwater vehicle, while lower portion 14 provides the energy or energy storing and occupant or operator receiving components of the underwater vehicle.

The upper portion 12 is constructed from and includes a plurality of frame-forming members 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 32 which extend generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the submarine. These frame-like members are generally rounded in shape at the front end 34 and the rear end 36 of the submarine and gradually Work into a rectangular shape at the central compartment or cockpit 38 in which the occupant is positioned, in this regard see FIGS. l1 and 12. Structural members 24 and 26 are solid and generally rectangular in shape while the structural members 16 and 32 are much more rounded in shape with the intervening structural members gradually assuming shapes between the rectangular and rounded construction. Members 16 through 24 are spacedly maintained in place and further rigidified by longitudinal riblike members 40, 42, 44, 46 extending therebetween along the upper portions thereof. The construction and shape of the upper portion 12 is completed by covering the aforementioned structural members with a thin, flexible plywood 48 or other similar material. A generally horizontal wing or tin-like member 50, including two ns 52 and 54, is added along the tops of framing members 24 through 32, and then the entire structure is covered with tiberglass, canvas or other suitable material to provide a smooth and streamlined hull for moving through the water. Horizontal n members 52 and 54 provide stability and aid in the leveling and control of the underwater vehicle. Vent holes are provided at 56, 58, and 60 to permit water and any entrapped air to move through the top of the structure such that the vehicle can freely submerge and maneuver within the water. An opening 62 is provided within horizontal fin-like member and the same is sealingly covered with a bubble-like canopy or capsule member 64, which is clear and transparent and may be constructed from plastic, glass or other like materials. Canopy member 64 when thus sealed to the upper portion of the vehicle completes the cockpit or compartment 38, which is water sealed on the top thereof, for the occupant of the submarine.

The lower portion of the submarine, see in particular FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, includes a shallow box-like structure 66 having a bottom 68, elongated sloping sidewalls 70 and 72, a low rear wall 74, and a higher front wall 76. Each corner of the box-like structure 66 is attached to one end of a post or tubular member such as at 78, 80, 82 and 84. The other ends of tubular members 78 through 84 are attached to the sidewalls of upper portion 12 of the submarine, such as to dependingly connect lower portion 14 with the upper portion 12 to form an integral water craft or submarine 10.

Removably positioned within each side of box-like structure 66 are two ballast members 86 and 88. Ballast members 86 and 88 are adjustable forward and aft of the submarine to ensure proper leveling and stability of the vehicle. Positioned on the upper surface of box bottom 68 are two 12 volt batteries 90 and 92 connected in series to provide the energy for the motive power of the submarine. Batteries 90 and 92 are enclosed within a sealed watertight box 94 whose open side is attached to bottom member 68 at each end by means of a bolt 96, which passes through member 68 and extends through a bracket 98, attached to the battery cover 94 and a nut 100. A seat 102 is attached to the top of battery box 94 and is spaced thereabove to provide an appropriate place on which the occupant can sit while traveling within the submarine, and from which he can operate the same with his head, neck and shoulders being positioned within compartment 38, while ample visibility is provided by canopy 64 attached to the top thereof. Battery cables 104 and 106 respectively leading from batteries 90 and 92 are encased within a tubular member 108 in traveling from the battery cover 94 into the upper portion 12 of the submarine.

The underwater vehicle of this invention is provided with a tank 1,10 for supplying compressed air, which the occupant of the vehicle will use during those periods when the same is submerged, in this regard see FIGS. 2, 4 and 11. A hose 112 leads from the bank 110 to the mouth of the occupant (not shown) within compartment 38 to supply compressed air from the tank 110 to the occupant for his use when desired. The end of hose 112 adjacent the occupants 'mouth is provided with a standard breathing valve, such that air will flow from tank 110 through hose 112 to the occupant when he inhales, and the ow of compressed air will cease when the occupant exhales into chamber 38 and canopy 64. IIn this manner, .e., by the occupants intermittently inhaling the compressed air within tank 110 through hose 112 and exhaling the same into the canopy 64 and compartment 38, compartment 38 with the sealingly attached canopy 64 is rst lled with air, and then subsequently maintained substantially filled with air under pressure such as to prevent water from flowing into and filling compartment 38, even during a relatively deep dive or submergence of the submarine 10. As can be seen from FIGS. 2, 4 and l1, compressed air tank is held in position within the submarine by providing openings within transverse framing members 18 and 20, such as opening 114 within the transverse member 20.

The semi-dry type submarine of this invention is powered and propelled by a pair of electric motors 116 and 118 (see FIGS. l, 2, 3, and 7) 'mounted on the sides of the hull at its mid-portion. Each of the motors 116 and 118 has a propeller 120 and 122 respective-ly mounted to its drive shaft. Motor 116 and its propeller 120 are enclosed within a housing 124 having a bottom 126, two side walls 128 and 130 and a top member 132. Similarly, motor 118 and its propeller 122 are enclosed in a housing 134 having a bottom 136, two generally upright sides 138 and and :a top 142. Each housing 124 and 134 has a respective vertical rib or vein member 144 and 146 adjacent the front portion of the housing and running from the top to the bottom thereof. Housings 124 yand 134 act as guards or motor covers for their respective motors and propellers to protect the same from any objects in the Water with which the submarine may come in contact. Top members 132 and 142 of the respective motor guards 124 and 134 extend over the respective inner side members 130 and 140 to project towards the hull portion of the submarine. In this manner the top members 132 and 142 further -act as horizontal fins or veins to aid in the stability 'and leveling of the lvehicle and to further help in the submergence and surfacing of the vehicle. Motor guards 124 and 134 with their respective motors are attached to the opposite outer ends of a pipe or tubular shaft member 148 which extends through and is rotatably mounted in the hull of the submarine at its midsection adjacent its top, see FIGS. 6 and 7. Upon rotation of shaft 148 the motors and attached propellers are moved from horizontal position into tilted positions such as to drive the submarine downward -or upward within the water, one such tilted position use for driving purposes being shown by the dashed-line configuration 150 in FIG. 2.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 now, the rotation of pipe or tubular member 148 is controlled by a steering Wheel 152, steering column 154 and a linkage 156 between steering column 154 and rotatable shaft 148. Linkage 156 includes a pipe 158 and 1a pair of right angle elbows `at 160 and at 162 adjacent each of its ends. Steering column 154 is connected to elbows at 162 and rotatable pipe 158 is connected to elbows at 160. The steering shaft or column 154 is .slidingly supported within a brace 164 extending between the side coverings 48 of the hull and within transverse member 24, which also forms the front wall of compartment 38 provided for the operator of the submarine. The slidable mounting of the steering column 154 through member 24 is provided with a water seal 166 such that water is not permitted to enter compartment 38 -from this point. On inward and outward movement of steering column 154, such as by pushing or pulling steering wheel 152, shaft 148 with attached motors 116 and 118 is made to rotate whereby the water vehicle either rises or dives within the water to surface or submerge as may be desired. An electrical switch 168 is connected in electrical circuit between the batteries 90 and 92 and the electric motors 116 and 118 to control the operation thereof, and is positioned beneath the canopy 64 to be easily accessible for operation by the occupant of the submarine.

Movement of the underwater vehicle of this invention in the horizontal plane is controlled by a pair of rudders 170 and 172 which are pivotally mounted to the underside of respective horizontal fin-like members 52 and 54, in particular seeFIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 9. A control or connecting rod 174 which is slideably mounted through the sides of the submarine hull extends between the rudder members 170 and 172, 'and is attached thereto by respective linkages 176 and 178 to control the two rudder members and maintain them both in identical positions at all times.

The movement of connecting rod 174 and rudder members 170 and 172 is controlled by the steering wheel 152 and steering column 154, see FIGS. 5 and 6. A post 180 is lixedly attached to steering column 154 between brace 164 and front wall 24 of compartment 38, such that upon turning of steering wheel 152 and rotation of the steering column 154, post 180 will rotate slightly therewith either to the right or left as desired. A cable 182 connects post 180 on steering column 154 to the mid-section of control rod 174; first passing over pulley 184, then through a hollow tubular member 186 extending along the inner right side of compartment 38 from front wall 24 to rear wall 26 thereof, and then around pulley 188 before attachment to the mid-section of rod 174. Another cable 190 also connects post 180 with the mid-section of control rod 174, after rst passing over pulley 192, through a hollow tubular member 194 which extends along inner left side of compartment 38 from front wall 24 to back wall 26 thereof, and then over pulley 196 before connecting with the control rod 174. Hollow tubular members 186 and 194 extend along the interior of compartment 38 from front wall 24 to rear wall 26 thereof, and are sealed to and between the -front and rear wall 24 and 26 respectively of compartment 38, such that water is prevented from entering the compartment, while at the same time permitting cables 182 and 190 to pass through the -area of compartment 38 on the inside of the submarine hull (see FIG. 8). Upon turning or rotation of steering wheel 152 and steering column 154 with attached post 180, rod 174 will move either to the left or right within the hull of the craft to cause the rudders to rotate in either direction as may be desired causing the water craft to move either to the left or right in a horizontal plane.

The semi-dry type submarine of this invention is further provided with an air control valve assembly 198, which is best seen in FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and lO. Air control valve assembly 198 is mounted to the left side of compartment 38 and communicates with an opening 200 therein. Valve assembly 198 includes a mounted or lixed member 202 and an adjustable valve member 204 which is rotatable on the fixed member 202. In this manner the air control valve 204 is selectively positionable between the ,dashed line configuration 206 and 208 as depicted in FIG. 5. The selectively positionable air valve assembly 198 acts as an automatic displacement control for the water level within compartment 38 beneath canopy 64 by controlling the same from the dashed line position 210 when the valve is in position 206 to the dashed line position 212 when the valve is in position 208, all as depicted in FIG. 5. The outer end of valve member 204 terminates in a V-notch 214 such that the air may more easily, naturally and continuously enter the valve assembly 198 from compartment 3=8 to pass or exhaust therethrough and out the opening 200- in the side of the submarine hull. The air control valve assembly 198 is completely adjustable between the positions represented at 206 and 208 such that the level of the water or the air-water interface within `compartment 38 is variable from that position as represented by dashed line 210 to the position as represented -by dashed line 212 in FIG. 5. By adjusting the air control Valve assembly 198 the operator of the submarine can aid the same in diving or surfacing as may be desired, 'from the full surface position as represented at 212 to the dive position as represented at 210. With the air control valve assembly in position 2018 and the water surface being maintained at position 212, the greater volume of air within compartment 38 beneath canopy 64 greatly aids the underwater vehicle in surfacing; wlhile if the air control valve 198 is in position 206 maintaining the water level at 210, the decreased volume of `air within compartment 38 greatly aids the submarine in submerging and diving, while at the same time insuring that the upper .portion including the chest, shoulders, neck and hea-d of the occupant within the submarine remains in a dry condition surrounded by an atmosphere of air. In this manner the occupant or operator of the submarine is at all times surrounded -by an air environment such that his upper portion remains in a dry condition, and is not required to wear the normal burdensome and cumbersome scuba equipment, such as face mask, wet suit and air tanks strapped to his back In operation, the semi-dry type submarine of this invention is controlled and operated Iby the operator or occupant who sits on the support or seat 102 provided within the lower portion 14 of the vehicle. The operators feet are placed within the forward portion of the box-like structure 66 :and his chest and shoulders extend into and are positioned within compartment 38 with his head and neck positioned in the canopy 64 of compartment 38.

When the occupant is properly in place within the underwater vehicle, he will connect the valve at the end of hose 112 leading from compressed air tank 110' to his mouth for breathing purposes. With the operator thus situate-d in the submarine, the same will begin to be propelled through the water by the operation of switch 168 to close the electrical circuit between batteries 90 and 92 and the electrical motors 116 and 118. When the submarine is thus in motion, the occupant will control the horizontal and vertical movements of the same by pushing and pulling, and rotating and turning the steering wheel 152 to maneuver the same as may ybe desired. In a-ddition to controlling motors 116 and 118 and the rotation thereof by the steering wheel 152, and the movement of rudders 170` and 172 by the turning of the steering wheel 152, the occupant will vary and adjust air control valve assembly 198 between positions 206 and 208 to aid in the submergence, diving, rising and surfacing of the submarine, while maintaining his upper portion dry at all times and surrounded by an air environment. Tlhe air atmosphere within canopy 64 and upper portion of compartment 38 is maintained `by the occupants continuous inhalation of the compressed `air within tank 110 through hose 112 and his exhalation of the same into the upper portion of compartment 38 below the sealing attached canopy 64.

What is claimed as new and what it is desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a self-propelled vsubmersible marine vehicle comprising an elongated and streamlined hull having a bow and a stern, an operator support means depending from said hull between said bow and stern for supporting the operator thereon with the operators body being substantially exposed to the surrounding body of water, said hull including an operators compartment between said bow and stern and generally above said support means, said compartment having an air entrapping upper portion open therebeneath to the entry of water from the surrounding body of water in which the vehicle is located, said upper portion receiving therewithin the head of the operator wlhen the operator is disposed on said support means, an air source associated with said upper portion for supplying air thereto, said upper portion entrapping air therein to permit free breathing thereof by the operator, selectively controllable propulsion means attached to said hull for propelling the vehicle in the body of water in the general direction towar-d said bow, control means attached to said hull operable by the operator while the operator is disposed on said support means `for driving the vehicle generally downwardly and upwardly within the body of water, and ballast means associated with the vehicle for stabilizing same within the body of water.

2. In the marine vehicle as defined in claim 1 further comprising a hydrofoil assembly connected to the top of said hull, and rudder means attached to said hydrofoil assembly for selectively controlling the horizontal steering movement of the vehicle in the body of water by the operator.

3. In the marine vehicle as defined in claim 1 further comprising an air control valve mounted in said upper portion of said compartment and communicating with an opening through said hull, said valve providing an exhaust passageway from the interior of said upper portion outwardly to the exterior of said hull for the air in said upper portion whereby the air therein is maintained at a predetermined volume.

4. `In the marine vehicle as defined in claim 3 wherein said air control valve is selectively controllable by the operator whereby the volume of air in said upper portion may be varied to alter the buoyancy of the vehicle.

5. `In the marine vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper portion of said compartment includes depending side walls, one said side wall having an opening therethrough, an air control valve including a generally L- shaped pipe member having one end rotatably attached to said one side wall and having its passageway communieating with said opening, said pipe member being rotatable about an axis extending generally perpendicular to said one side wall, the other end of lsaid pipe member being lclosed by the water within said upper portion and being open to passage of air therethrough upon increase of the volume of air in said upper portion, said pipe member being selectively controllable by the operator between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position whereby the volume of air in said upper portion may be varied to alter the buoyancy of the vehicle.

6. In the marine vehicle as defined in claim 5 wherein said L-shaped pipe member of said air control valve further includes an inverted V-shaped notch in its said other end for passing air in said upper portion generally freely and continuously into and through said passageway and out said opening thereby maintaining the volume of air substantially constant at the selected position of said pipe member during normal breathing by the operator in said upper portion.

7. In the marine vehicle as dened in claim 2 wherein said propulsion means includes a pair of electric motors, a pair of propellers respectively driven by said motors, a source of electric current carried by said hull and connected in circuit with said motors, and an elongated generally horizontal shaft rotatably mounted to and extending laterally of said hull and having end portions projecting outwardly beyond the sides thereof, each of said motors being fixedly attached to said shaft end potions, said elongated shaft being rotatable to move said motors from their horizontal forward driving .position into inclined positions downwardly or upwardly with respect to the horizontal to drive the vehicle forwardly downward or forwardly upward within the body of water.

8. In the marine vehicle as defined in claim 7 further comprising a steering wheel mounted to said hull and positioned within said upper portion of the operator carrying compartment, a first linkage means connecting said steering wheel to said elongated shaft whereby upon pushing and pulling of said steering wheel by the operator 'said elongated shaft is rotated, and means connecting said steering wheel to said rudder means whereby upon rotation of said steering wheel by the operator said rudder means-are moved to control the steering of the vehicle within the body of water.

9. In the marine vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper portion of said occupant carrying compartment includes a transparent dome-like bubble sealingly attached to the top of said hull.

10. In the marine vehicle as deiined in claim 1 wherein said support means includes a platform spaced downwardly from said hull and supporting the operator thereon, said ballast means being movably positioned on said plat-form and being vadjustable by the operator forwardly and rearwardly to level the vehicle within the body of water.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,519,453 8/1950 Goodman 114--16 X 2,806,441 9/1957 Hoke 114-16 3,190,256 6/1965 Buie 114-16 X 3,255,723 6/1966 Teetor 114-16 3,335,685 8/1967 Gimbel 114-16 MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

TRYGUE M. BLIX, Assistant Examiner. 

